Global Guide 2026 : Cayman Islands
Ranked Individual
Provided by Harneys
Harneys’ highly skilled investment funds team has earned the trust of significant clients across the world while working on complex, ground-breaking transactions. We have built a reputation for delivering top-quality advice in a timely, transparent manner while minimising legal costs in Cayman.
Our investment fund lawyers work with managers of offshore hedge funds and private equity funds to help them establish and structure their offshore investment vehicles to best meet their strategies and investors’ requirements. Our client base includes hedge fund managers, leading international law firms, major financial institutions and corporates. We have recently assisted organisations such as UBP, Atlantic Security Bank, BNP Paribas Brazil, Moneda, Opportunity, Deutsche Bank, Banco Bradesco and China River.
Harneys’ size, collegiate atmosphere and flexible teams allow us to work across departments and offices. We do the work in the location that is most suitable to the client, and are able to provide time zone and language-appropriate service to clients around the world. This commitment to each of our clients is reflected in a number of multi-billion dollar investment managers choosing to switch legal advisers to Harneys.
Provided by Chambers
Harneys has a well-regarded Cayman investment funds team which advises on all aspects of fund formation, combinations and restructuring. It has notable experience handling fund regulatory matters and further benefits from the firm's well-established presence in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The law firm has considerable experience representing Latin American clients and is increasingly active on crypto funds.
Provided by Chambers
Harneys advised XP Advisory on the formation and launch of an open-ended SPC fund structure.
Provided by Chambers
The team demonstrates a strong grasp of the nuances of our industry and the jurisdictions we operate in, which allows them to provide advice that is aligned with our strategic objectives.
Harneys is knowledgeable, pragmatic and responsive.
The lawyers at Harneys consistently take a client-centric and solutions-oriented approach, which adds significant value beyond the technical aspects of their work.
One of Harneys’ key strengths is its deep expertise in Cayman Islands law, combined with a practical, commercial approach to problem-solving.
The Harneys team combines strong technical knowledge with a highly commercial and pragmatic approach, which is invaluable when dealing with complex or time-sensitive matters.
Provided by Chambers
James Smith advises on the formation of open and closed-end funds in addition to cryptocurrency funds. He is increasingly involved in providing assistance to Latin American clients.
James Smith is consistently responsive, thoughtful and highly effective in supporting our work.
He demonstrates strong technical knowledge, excellent commercial awareness and a clear understanding of our priorities.
James Smith is an exceptional partner who is both highly responsive and incredibly attentive to our needs. His insights are always timely and precise, making him an invaluable asset to our team.
James Smith stands out for his deep technical knowledge, practical approach and ability to provide clear, solution-oriented advice on complex matters.
James understands our business very well and knows a lot about Brazilian clients.
Investment Funds
Provided by Harneys
James Smith
View profile of James Smith
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